The City of Hercules has been awarded a $350,000 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant to support the construction of the Sycamore Avenue Bicycle & Pedestrian East-West Connector Project. This funding will enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists traveling through one of the City’s main corridors.
“This critical grant supports our efforts to enhance infrastructure and keep Hercules safe and accessible,” said Mayor Dion Bailey. “This grant aligns with our commitment to planning and realizing major infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
The $1.7 million Sycamore Avenue Bicycle & Pedestrian East-West Connector Project will address safety concerns along Sycamore Avenue under I-80 and the BNSF railroad overcrossing where poor infrastructure, low visibility and past accidents have posed risks for pedestrians and cyclists. The project will connect San Pablo Avenue bike lanes to Refugio Valley Road and Refugio Park, adding a Class II bike lane and multipurpose trail from Creekside Center to John Muir Parkway and the Regional Intermodal Transit Center.
The HSIP is a federal program that funds projects aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries. As part of Cycle 12, Caltrans has awarded grants to 288 projects statewide, including Hercules. In addition to the awarded grant, the City is actively pursuing additional funding opportunities to complete the project.
Once complete, the project will enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, reduce traffic collisions and strengthen connections between key community hubs, including local schools, the Civic Center and residential areas. It will also bridge three Plan Bay Area 2050 Growth Geographies which guide future growth in housing and jobs over the next 30 years as part of the Plan Bay Area 2050 strategy.
The City remains committed to developing infrastructure that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors while advancing its strategic goal of planning and funding major infrastructure improvements. Investments like the HSIP grant help bring this vision to life, creating a more connected and accessible Hercules.